Australian music legend Tina Arena has emphasised the importance of art on peoples mental health.

The singer has recently partnered with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to deliver an online concert.

She told Deborah Knight the current restrictions on the arts sector can’t go on.

“Seeing that sport is always [preferenced] over art, it’s very, very difficult from where we stand, to see those double standards blatantly played out in front of us.

“It’s not a political jab at anybody but it does really make it very difficult for us psychologically.

“We do play a very important role in popular culture and in keeping a society healthy.”

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Image: Getty/Matt Jelonek